“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth: and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;” -1 Peter 2:21-23 (NASB)
We live in a day where accusations are hurled and people are reviled simply for holding opposite opinions. Especially for those who claim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. When we step out and proclaim the truth we hold, it is common for allegations of all kinds to be claimed of our character, and intelligence. Our promise today is the example of Jesus and how He conquered bitterness. There had never been any person more grievously sinned against then Jesus. Instead of receiving the honor He was worthy of, Jesus was dishonored more than any other man. As a man we would think Jesus had the right to be angry and bitter and even vengeful. How did Jesus overcome this? How did Jesus control His reaction when they spit in His face? He had faith in his Father’s righteous judgement. Jesus did not need to avenge Himself and when we suffer indignities for proclaiming faith in Jesus, we don’t need to do so either. He left us an example of how He reacted and calls us to follow Him in those steps. Don’t strike back. Leave the vengeance in God’s hands. Continue in faith to proclaim the Good News.
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This has been a significant promise to hold on to in my life. Jesus will take the pain and heal my hurt. God can certainly do a better job of holding my accuser accountable than I ever could. When I try to defend myself I often just dig myself a deeper pit.
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